I was on staff at Motor Trend when Lexus brought out the first RX300 and we all knew that it would change the SUV landscape, by crystalizing the definition of what we came to call the luxury Crossover SUV. That first RX was smartly sized, had just enough “soft-roading” capability to handle the commute to your ski cabin, offered a typically luxurious and comfortable Lexus level interior cabin with high level quality and remarkable fit, finish, and materials quality. At that time (1998/99) sport/utilities were still lumped in with Motor Trend‘s Truck of the Year category contest, and of course this was nobody’s truck of any kind, so we initiated the new Sport/Utility of the Year category in recognition of the sea changes in the marketplace that had taken place.
It should come as no surprise then, that the RX300 handily won MT’s first Sport/Utility of the Year competition, and has been a sales and market leader ever since. We knew that the OG RX would spawn a small lineup of luxury “COVs” and it has; first came the updated 3.5-liter V-6 version, the RX350, then hybrids and longer wheelbase editions, and more recently, a slightly smaller spawn called the UX. The UX is a few pinches and inches smaller in every dimension than the RX, but still offers plenty room for five adults with optimal cargo space. The designwork is clearly familial, if a bit crisper and edgier. You won’t find genuine leather seating upholstery, or glossy wood trim, but all the other Lexus touches are in place, particularly in terms of technology. UX pricepoints are also a bit mellower than in the RX range.
My fully loaded tester was a Hybrid, Premium level model, with a base MSRP of #37,800 (plus the obligatory $1150 transportation, delivery, and processing/handling fee) a few significant options and all in sticker of $41,495, well below a comparably equipped RX.
The hybrid powertrain is just a gem, with 181 total system horsepower backed by a continuously variable ratio transmission (CVT). Lexus/Toyota has really improved the driving feel of its CVT transmissions, mitigating the droning revving and “motorboating” feel of those of generations ago. I easily met or bettered the 43/41/42 EPA mileage ratings. Mine was a front wheel drive only test unit, so I didn’t venture any off-road testing or rock climbing, although I’m estimating it would be fine on the dirt road to your cabin. I appreciate the 18-inch rolling stock which looks nice, preserves reasonable ride quality, and offers crisp turn-in and response to steering wheel commands. I’m not sure I’d call the handling sporty, but its sharp and sure footed.
As you’d expect of a modern Lexus, the cabin is beautifully designed, easy to live with, and very comfortable. The seat fabric is a bit of a story unto itself. It looks like leather, feels a lot like leather, and of course doesn’t smell like leather – because it’s not. It’s called NuLuxe, and touts itself under the markety buzz term “man-made leather” — which in reality, isn’t leather at all in the sense of having come from a cow or other animal. But this ain’t the plasticky, hard vinyl or “Naugahyde” in your grandmother’s ’61 Plymouth. It’s smoothly surfaced with no noticeable grain and feels supple with an underlying sturdiness. The foundational idea behind this material is that it doesn’t take near the water, chemicals, or treatment needed to tan cowhide into leather, and that its highly resistant to the fading or cracking that leather — if uncared for — often demonstrates with age. So, NuLuxe is neater, cleaner, greener, and likely less costly than old school leather, and feels just about the same to your backside and bum. Many carmakers are using it now, and most folks couldn’t tell the difference. I might question it in the topline models of certain premium brands, but in a multi-purpose crossover like the UX, it makes perfect sense.
This UX has more connectivity than the International Space Station and everything is a general snap to pair and use. The screens are bright and easy to read, and most functions are intuitive to learn and operate. It’s also smart and handy that you can see all of the primary instruments without having to duck over or under the top rim of the steering wheel.
We expected a just barely adequate cargo area, but in truth this flat floored space for all your stuff is more than adequate for a well packed weekend away, and if you flatten the rear seat back, its bordering on cavernous.
My experience with this smallest and newest entry into the Lexus RX family of luxury crossovers was dandy. The vehicle lived up to every one of its promises and proved a gem on long drives. I’d maybe ditch the $500 upcharge for Iridium hued premium paint, and get that sticker down to near $40K, and depending on the dealer deal you can make, the UX Hybrid also represents reasonable value for money too.
